Saturday, July 23, 2011

Remember the 'black-out' in NYC in 1977? Karen and I stood at the sight of the Aaron Burr/Alexander Hamilton duel (1804) in New Jersey and watched the lights go out in Manhattan. One would have never thought that Chautauqua would be the scene of such an emergency; alas, it was. No electricity (where rumor has it that Thomas Edison installed his invention in the amphitheater) and the United Methodist House was without lights and AIR!

Hospitality is our motto and we "celebrated the darkness" with an impromptu party on the porch by candlelight and new flashlights. A stranger ventured onto the porch with an open container of melting sherbet which we finished in quick fashion.
The week was ably led by our pastor from Houston, Texas, Robert Stutes. He spoke at the Chaplain's Chat about the uncomfortable relationship the Methodist church has had with the 'arts' which was the theme for the week.

Betsy and Robert

Blessings for a young baseball player, Drew Burr

Here are some photos showing the "I survived the UM House Black-out" gang:

The puzzling Heitzenrater family

The Urban girls plus Fran and Carol

Heitzenrater's grandchildren celebrate 2 birthdays

The 'tea' was brought to us by the women of Youngsville.

Pastor Paul Womack, our new President, preaches about Paul of the Bible in our chapel every Tues. evening. We like to refer to this as 'PAUL ON PAUL.'

Elsewhere in Chautauqua life continues in its peaceful fashion:

Purple Martins of Chautauqua

Tommy James and the Shondells

All in all it was a week to remember. It is nearly the half way point in the Season and we look forward to seeing many more of you in the next 5 weeks.